YP Comment: The big question '“ what will our MPs do for Yorkshire?

The choice could not be clearer – Theresa May’s ‘strong and stable’ leadership or Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘for the many, not the few’ Labour Party.

And the issue could not be more profound – the future of these great islands in a sea of global uncertainty.

Yet the outcome will determine who represents Yorkshire in the next Parliament.

As today’s page one comment makes clear, this region’s most pressing priority is devolution – an issue allied to the future prosperity of this county and country alike as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.

This newspaper has long advocated the importance of local, regional and national leaders taking their time if it means that they agree the best plan for the whole county – one which has effective and accountable leadership at its core – rather than hastily-agreed proposals which make little material difference.

Yet, as rival regions start implementing the new powers that have been devolved to them following the election of metro-mayors a week ago, Yorkshire can’t afford to sit on the sidelines much longer.

If this area doesn’t want Greater Manchester, and other city-regions, stealing a march when it comes to securing new jobs and investment, this day of reckoning needs to be confronted and our region’s tranche of newly-elected MPs will have a key role to play in brokering a positive outcome between local councils and Whitehall at a time when there’s much mistrust on both sides.

This newspaper will expect each and every MP to work together, on a cross party basis, to ensure that Britain’s largest county is also the most influential in the next Parliament. Too often, prospective prime ministers have made tantalising pre-election promises in Yorkshire which have not been honoured after polling day.

Our region needs to show that it means business and this means householders engaging with candidates as they canvass support in the coming hours, days and weeks that will shape the country’s political outlook for the foreseeable future.

Those putting their names forward for election are not cold callers deserving of disdain. They are driven by a desire to serve, which should be respected.

Yet this should must not preclude voters from asking MPs seeking re-election about their record to date – or aspiring Parliamentarians about how they do intend to champion their constituency and speak up for Yorkshire.

General elections are the cornerstone of Britain’s democracy. They’re an opportunity for voters to decide not just the political persuasion of the Government but the credentials of their local MP. It’s a process which requires a positive, and constructive dialogue, between candidates – and those that they purport to serve.

For the more people who make their views known, both on the campaign trail at the ballot box, the greater the likelihood of Yorkshire’s voice being heard loud and clear when the next Government and Parliament is formed.

Labour’s lessons

ONE step forward, two back. Yesterday’s campaign visit in Leeds encapsulated Labour’s fortunes under Jeremy Corbyn.

He, and colleagues, did highlight an important issue – the future funding of colleges and the importance of skills as Britain prepares to leave the EU – and further education has, in many respects, never been more important.

As such, it would be churlish – and disingenuous – not to acknowledge Mr Corbyn’s contribution at Leeds City College or the sincerity of his beliefs which are clearly well-held. Equally, it would be remiss not to point out the two fundamental drawbacks – funding and a lack of wider political support.

First, funding. Even though Labour says its education revolution will be paid for by significant – and progressive – increases in corporation tax, Paul Johnson, director of the Institute For Fiscal Studies, said it would be one of the biggest tax hikes for 30 years and that companies would pass on their costs to consumers who would, in all likelihood, be one per cent worse off as a result. Fair? The electorate will decide on June 8.

Next the implementation. On another day when Mr Corbyn tried, manfully, to get on the front foot, there were reports that dozens of MPs could resign the Labour whip in Parliament, and sit as a “progressives” group, in an effort to force their leader to step down. If the party can’t form an Opposition, how can it be expected to govern in the national interest?

Past elections show that voters support the party which is the most united and the most economically credible – two lessons which today’s Labour Party has still to learn.